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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Rule 5120-9-12 | Inmates sentenced to death.

 

(A) All inmates sentenced to death under Ohio law shall be confined in one or more institutions designated by the director of the department of rehabilitation and correction as set forth in this rule. Such inmates may be assigned to an area of the institution to be designated by the managing officer, which area will be known as "death row."

(B) Absent significant extenuating circumstances, no inmate will be assigned to or housed in death row unless that inmate has been sentenced to death. If any inmate is assigned to or housed in death row that has not been sentenced to death, the respective regional director will be notified and his or her approval is required.

(C) The director or his designee may assign or reassign an inmate who has been sentenced to death to a security classification or special management status other than that which is normally used for such inmates, based on the security or medical and mental health requirements for the inmate. The inmate so assigned will receive the privileges and programming that are appropriate for the other security or management status, notwithstanding paragraph (D) of this rule.

(D) Inmates who are sentenced to death and who have not been reassigned to some other status will receive the following minimum cell privileges:

(1) Personal hygiene articles;

(2) Mail and kite privileges;

(3) Access to legal materials and services, including legal kit;

(4) Access to cleaning articles for cell sanitation as approved by the warden or his designee;

(5) Visits by department staff;

(6) Adequate food;

(7) Access to current rules of the ohio administrative code, also known as "ARs," 5120-9 series;

(8) Cell furnishings to include toilet, wash basin, running water, mattress, sheets, blanket (depending on weather conditions);

(9) Access to medical services as required by their medical condition;

(10) Regular assessment of their mental health condition by the bureau of behaviorial health services and access to such services as required by their mental health condition;

(11) Institution coveralls or clothing, underwear, and footwear;

(12) Adequate lighting for reading;

(13) Five hours of recreation per week;

(14) Opportunity to shower and shave five times per week;

(15) One non-contact visit per visitor, per month; and

(16) Limited commissary purchases.

Abuse of any privileges may lead to their restriction or denial by the manager of the death row unit or major of the institution. When an inmate is deprived of any authorized item or activity, a report of action is filed in the appropriate inmate's file and forwarded to the security chief, the deputy warden of operations and the managing officer.

(E) Any death row inmate leaving or entering death row shall be thoroughly searched and escorted to and from his destination.

Last updated May 31, 2024 at 6:53 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5120.01
Amplifies: 2949.21, 5120.03, 5120.16
Five Year Review Date: 1/19/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 6/23/1973, 10/13/1978, 11/9/1981, 9/4/1984, 1/1/2002, 5/23/2014